[Editor’s note: Welcome back to the return of “Collector’s Corner” to Uni Watch. Although no longer run by Brinke Guthrie, it has been ably resurrected by Chris Weir. Chris approached me about restarting CC, vowing to uphold the old look and style, but with one new twist: he will make each edition timely with what is going on currently in the sports world (i.e. rivalry games, big events, anniversary of events). Enjoy and please give Chris some feedback about the new (old) feature. — PH]
by Chris Weir
This year’s NHL Winter Classic was at the “Frozen Confines” of Wrigley Field. Even the Big Ten is getting in on the action.
• This Sidney Crosby Cut Out promises a “Family Getaway” but doesn’t elaborate where the getaway actually is. Something tells me it was Pittsburgh.
• This Bobblehead is from the 2011 Winter Classic which was held right in the middle of the Crosby/Ovi & Caps/Penguins rivalry. That game was pushed from 1pm to 8pm which made for some great aesthetics.
• This Snow Globe is technically from the NHL’s Stadium Series 2019 edition which was a Keystone State showdown between the Penguins and Flyers. I included it because I love the slogan, “we’re taking it outside.”
• Love the art on this Poster from the 2023 Winter Classic. Phenom Gallery puts out some great stuff.
• Again technically not the Winter Classic, but I’ll take any opportunity to feature the Nordiques logo. This Puck commemorates the 2021 game at Lake Tahoe which was probably the most unique venue an NHL game has been held at. I always thought it would be awesome if they could play a game on the reflecting pool between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials.
• Here’s your chance to own a 10 Foot Banner from the 2016 Winter Classic held in Foxboro between the Bruins and Canadiens.
• Hunt Auctions has some great items in their latest online auction including one of Charlie Finley’s Orange Baseballs.
• A lot of great bobbleheads/nodders up for auction. You’re going to have to dig deep into your wallet to win this Seattle Pilots Nodder.
• I wonder how many women took advantage of Friday Ladies’ Night at Yankee Stadium and the Polo Grounds.
• When asked whether he preferred real grass or Astroturf Tug McGraw once famously said: “I don’t know. I’ve never smoked Astroturf.” If you win this Square of Astroturf from Candlestick Park, you can compare for yourself.
–Chris Weir
“I always thought it would be awesome if they could play a game on the reflecting pool between the Lincoln and Washington Memorials.”
While I am sure there are a billion federal regulations that would make this impossible, I whole heartedly endorse this idea to come to fruition.
I second that endorsement.
The NFL wants to do a draft on the mall and the amount of red tape they’d have to go through has put that into doubt.
Chris, well done! I always enjoyed these posts, such a fun blast from the past.
I love the idea of having a theme, too.
Happy new year, and thanks for the read.